Author at POND Trade Magazine

About Anita Nelson, Nelson Water Gardens

Anita Nolan Nelson, Horticulturist, has always loved plants, as a child she was fascinated by all the colors, shapes and forms of plants and still is to this day. Although she has done all the accomplishments listed below, Anita is proudest of the fact she has a garden and is still learning and still making mistakes. Co-founder of Nelson Water Gardens & Nursery, Inc., with her husband Rolf Nelson, a specialty garden center in Katy, Texas. Earned B.S. cum laude in Horticulture from University of Maryland in 1978. Founding Member of International Water Lily Society. Guest Lecturer for Horticulture Magazine, American Horticultural Society, and International Water Lily Society on various aspects of Water Gardening from Clear Water to Landscape Design. Has frequently appeared on The New Garden Television Show nationwide on PBS. Teaches courses and workshops at Mercer Arboretum and Houston Arboretum. Speaks frequently to Botanic Gardens, Garden Clubs, and Professional Groups. Articles published in American Nurseryman, Horticulture, Fine Gardening, Water Gardening Magazine, Pondkeeper, North American Gardener, Texas Gardener, Neil Sperry's Gardens n' More, The Water Garden Journal and more. Contributing Editor for Water Gardening Magazine & Pondkeeper Magazine. In 1996 was the Winner of the "Reel American Award" for outstanding Journalism on Environmentally Friendly Lawn Care and Landscaping. Anita lives with her husband Rolf and their four children in Pattison Texas.

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IWGS 2018 Symposium Recap

By Anita Nelson, Nelson Water Gardens

Published on December 28, 2018 in People In The “Trade”, Pond Content, Pond Trade Perspective 0

The 2018 IWGS Symposium was held in San Angelo, Texas, from Sept. 16 to 18. The City of San Angelo could not have been more excited and welcoming to see the IWGS come back to their fair city. Board membersMore…

Find New Plants and Design Ideas at the the IWGS 2018 Symposium

Industry friends, followers & flowers flock to West Texas.

By Anita Nelson, Nelson Water Gardens

Published on July 17, 2018 in Fish, Koi, Goldfish, Pond Content, POND LIFE 0

I’ve been a member of the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society (IWGS) since the beginning. We launched the society in fall 1994 at a special party at the home of Charles and Sally Thomas in Buckeystown, Maryland. The featuredMore…

Attend the 2018 International Water Garden Symposium and Visit the International Waterlily Collection

By Anita Nelson, Nelson Water Gardens

Published on June 27, 2018 in Pond Content, Pond Trade Perspective 0

All are invited to the friendly state of Texas for this year’s International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society (IWGS) Symposium from Sept. 13—16, 2018. If you find yourself wondering why this year’s symposium is being held in a somewhat remoteMore…

Planting a Bog Filter

By Anita Nelson, Nelson Water Gardens

Published on June 28, 2015 in Aquatic Plants, POND LIFE, Pond Tech, Uncategorized, Water Quality 19

Planting a Bog Filter? You don’t have to limit yourself to the plants listed below; these are just guidelines. Experiment and have fun! We’ve grown everything from cacti (yes, cactus!) to annuals to vegetables in our bogs! Most plants seemMore…

Bog Gravel Filtration: Water Cleaned by Mother Nature

By Anita Nelson, Nelson Water Gardens

Published on June 28, 2015 in Aquatic Plants, Pond Content, POND LIFE, Pond Tech, Water Quality 115

I have always been intrigued by the idea of turning waste into a resource, and that is exactly what a bog gravel filter does for you. It turns fish and plant waste into fertilizer (plant food). This plant food isMore…

Where’s the Baby

By Anita Nelson, Nelson Water Gardens

Published on September 1, 2012 in Pond Trade Perspective 0

Where is the Baby! is a web page hosted by Nelson Water Gardens and Nursery, in Katy, Texas. Addie Nelson, their granddaughter, is pictured here on the pad of a Victoria Lily.

Why Have a Gift Shop and What Sells

By Anita Nelson, Nelson Water Gardens

Published on July 1, 2012 in New Business Opportunities 0

Learn from our industry expert about the ins and outs of having a gift shop as part of your pond store. Anita shares with you eight great reasons why you should have one; what gift items have worked for her;More…

Plumbing Glazed Pottery Into Fountains

By Anita Nelson, Nelson Water Gardens

Published on July 1, 2011 in Pond Design 0

Would you like a step-by-step, inexpensive technique that makes for a quick and watertight adaptation of glazed pottery into beautiful fountains? Nelson Water Gardens shows you how. Learn how to use a PVC standpipe. It directs a plume of waterMore…

How–to Disappearing Fountain Installation

By Anita Nelson, Nelson Water Gardens

Published on July 30, 2009 in Pond Aesthetics 0

A 14-step guide, with pictures, on how to install a beautiful Disappearing Fountain. Included are tips on pot selection, reservoirs, and how to care for the fountain. Learn from the experts and avoid some of those first time mistakes –More…

Newsletter – What You Need to Know

By Anita Nelson, Nelson Water Gardens

Published on November 3, 2007 in Business Trends 0

Rolf and Anita Nelson owners of Nelson Water Gardens share their thoughts on publishing a newsletter: Have you been considering a newsletter? The following story may help you decide: If there was any doubt whether or not Nelson Water Gardens’More…